Google's reliable search button now has a new companion: AI Mode. This artificial intelligence feature is being trialed directly below the Google search bar, positioned next to the “Google Search” button, taking the place of the “I’m Feeling Lucky” widget. Although not yet widely available, this feature is being tested in a prime spot where Google seldom alters its interface. A company spokesperson confirmed that the rollout of this feature began for some users in the past week. The spokesperson explained that Google frequently experiments with new features through “Labs, ” its experimental unit that allows opted-in users to test innovations. They also noted that not all tested products are guaranteed a broad release. This latest test indicates Google is exploring the use of its most valuable screen space to introduce users to its AI technology, amid ongoing pressure to compete in the generative AI-driven search arena. Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, Alphabet investors have been concerned about OpenAI potentially capturing search market share from Google by offering new ways for users to find information online. In October, OpenAI advanced this competition by launching “ChatGPT search, ” positioning itself more directly against search engines like Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and Perplexity. Microsoft has invested nearly $14 billion in OpenAI, yet OpenAI’s products directly compete with Microsoft’s AI and search offerings, including Copilot and Bing. Google’s flagship AI product, Gemini, has demonstrated performance on par with or surpassing leading competitors, but the company has been working to expand its user base to better rival ChatGPT. According to a recent Google analysis presented during an antitrust court session in April, the Gemini AI product has 35 million daily active users, compared to ChatGPT’s estimated 160 million daily active users. The Alphabet-owned firm began internally testing homepage designs in 2023, as first reported by CNBC.

One design explored offering five prompts for potential queries below the main search bar, instead of the current “I’m Feeling Lucky” bar. Another idea tested a small chat icon at the far right end of the search bar. In March, Google announced the testing of “AI Mode” for select users, though the announcement indicated the widget would appear on Google’s results page rather than the homepage. The company described the feature as an early Labs experiment aimed at enabling “more advanced reasoning, thinking, and multimodal capabilities to help with even your toughest questions. ” This week, Google also launched the “AI Futures Fund, ” an investment fund targeting AI startups. Eligible startups will receive early access to Google’s AI models, the company stated.